The NHS in Somerset has this week urged residents in the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area to get the right treatment and avoid telephoning for a 999 ambulance or visiting busy district hospital Accident and Emergency Departments with only minor illness or ailments.
The advice comes as NHS Somerset says this week that the county’s district hospitals are continuing to experience “exceptionally high demand”, largely due to the high numbers of frail elderly and sick patients being admitted to the hospital by ambulance.
Doctors in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have advised people with flu-like symptoms to rest, drink plenty of water and take Paracetamol where needed.
However, doctors are reminding people, particularly the elderly, to seek medical advice at the first start of illness and not wait until they become more seriously ill.
Dr Ed Ford, a Somerset GP and Chair of the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “You can help yourself and the NHS by thinking first and getting the right treatment for your health needs. At the first sign of illness get advice from you community pharmacist.”
“If you are ill make an appointment with your GP Practice and if you don’t where to go or what service you need, please telephone NHS 111 for help or advice. The number is free to call and available 24 hours a day.”
There are more convenient health services available for public to use if they have only minor illness, injury or ailments.
These include Burnham-On-Sea Minor Injury Unit which is suitable if members of the public have urgent need for medical treatment. There are also six other Minor Injury Units at community hospitals in Bridgwater, Chard, Frome, Minehead, Shepton Mallet and West Mendip Hospital (Near Glastonbury).
The Burnham-On-Sea War Memorial Hospital Minor Injury Unit is open from 10am-6pm (last patient booked in at 5:30pm).
If you feeling unwell and need advice, visit your pharmacy. You don’t need an appointment and they can advise on the best medicines for many common illnesses. You can find your nearest pharmacist by searching online at: www.nhs.uk.
Alternatively, telephone NHS 111 when you need medical advice or information quickly, but it’s not a 999 life threatening emergency. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines to this 24/7 service.
You should also call 111 if you become ill after your GP surgery has closed and need urgent advice or medical help. You will be assessed, given advice and directed straight away to the local service that will help you best. www.nhs.uk/111
Lastly, make an appointment at your GP Practice. You can book an urgent on-the day appointment by telephoning your practice. GP Practices in Somerset now offer extended access to pre-booked routine appointments up until 8.00pm in the evening and at weekends.
